Abortion bills await action in Legislature

AUGUSTA, Maine — Bills relating to abortion await House and Senate action in Maine. How they’ll fare is in question, given divided committee sentiment.

On Wednesday, activists plan a news conference to ask lawmakers to reject a bill that would create a new class of crime for harming a fetus.

The Family Planning Association of Maine and the Maine Women’s Lobby say Maine already has a law allowing stiffer penalties for crimes against pregnant women.

Other bills awaiting action would require a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency; and that state health officials develop a brochure describing risks and alternatives to abortion.

Another bill seeks to repeal Maine’s current adult consent law and replace it with more strict guidelines.